Countdown to Easter Celebration - Day 12

Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, John 6:16-21

After feeding the 5000, Jesus sent his disciples in a boat across the Sea of Galilee. Jesus, however remained behind.  He sent the multitudes away and retreats to a mountain to be alone, to spend time in prayer.  Even Jesus, in all his majesty, had to find time to be alone with his Father. 

In the night, the disciples encounter a storm on the water. The boat was already in the middle of the sea and the disciples began to struggle with their rowing.  We know these men to be experienced fishermen.  Very well capable of navigating a boat, but they find themselves in the middle of the sea, rowing for miles, maybe for 8 or more hours. 

You will recall a similar story.  These men have been in a storm on the water before.  In that instance, Jesus was present, in the boat with with them.  They believed then, that he could surely do something.  But here, we find the disciples in a storm on the water, and Jesus is on the mountain, away from them. 

But Jesus spots them and their struggle....Jesus comes to them, walking on the water. It is the 4th watch of the night (sometime between 3am and 6am). Terrified, the disciples cry out "It is a ghost!"  In the midst of the storm, the disciples did not recognize Jesus.  Its dark, and though they do not recognize Jesus, he knows exactly where they are in the middle of the sea.  He saw them from the mountain, and came at supernatural speed at just the right moment to be with them.   

Jesus immediately replies:  "Be of good cheer: It is I, do not be afraid"

Peter still unsure yet in a panic state of mind, knowing his safety resides in being near to the Lord, says, "Lord, if it's you, command me to come to you on the water." ...asks for a command, and waits for the Lord's answer....

 

  Jesus invites Peter to come. Peter gets out of the boat and begins walking on the water toward Jesus. When Peter takes his eyes off Jesus to look at the boisterous winds and waves, he begins to sink. Peter cries out "Lord save me!"  and Jesus immediately reaches out his hand and catches Peter. Jesus asks Peter, "oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

 

The disciples knew Jesus could overpower demons, feed 1000's with very little, command the winds and waves...they'd been present for all these miracles.  What they still lacked, was Faith.  Faith that Jesus loved them, Faith that he was their protector. 

 

As they climb into the boat together, the storm immediately ceases. Then the disciples worship Jesus, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." They no longer questioned, they believed.   The boat was already at the shore they had intended. 

Today:  Examine what you are most fearful of.  Write it down.  Write them all down.  Write them in marker for best results.  Once you've written them, crumple the paper up.  Toss it in a sink of water, a glass of water, a bowl or a tub if you need more room.  Watch the water wash away the ink. 

Lord, I thank you that you took on all my fears.  I ask that you command me in the direction I should take and I wait, Lord, I wait for your Word.  Holy Spirit, well up inside of me a faith that can walk on water.  I pray that my eyes remain on Jesus and my feet above the storm.  In Jesus name AMEN. 

I did this activity with the kids after telling them the story of Jesus Walking on Water.